Abstract [en]

The purpose of this study is to examine what kinds of strategies educators use to ease the participation in group activities for children with other native languages than Swedish. The study is based on web surveys that were sent out to educators all around middle Sweden. The results show that the size of the childrens's group has a significant impact on the children's participation and communication. In smaller groups, children get more space to talk and the educators hav the time to meet each child based on their need and interest. The purpose with the group activities turns out to be different depending on whether or not the activity is performed in one big group, or in smaller groups. In smaller groups the purpose of the activity is considered to be language development, while in one big group, the purpose isto create community. Tools that educators use to illustrate and help the participation for children with other native languages than Swedish are for instnce pictures/photographs, objects, TAKK (signs for alternative additional communication) and body language. Language support in terms of native language teacher and multilingual educators also appears to be something educators make use of to encourage the participation in groups for children with other native languages than Swedish. The educators consider mixed language groups a huge asset, but many lack cooperation with the native language teacher and/ or multilingual educators.